How This Race Changed My Life

Ten years ago, attending one 100km trail race quietly redirected the course of Chris's life, and this is the story of how running transformed everything. A decade later, Chris runs the Sydney Ultra Marathon (SUM100), a brand new 100km race that shares a lot of its course with the very first ultra he ever finished all those years ago. Back on the trails that started it all, we break down what actually gets you through 100km: the discipline to hold back early, a simple fuelling strategy, training your gut the way you race, using poles, and the mindset that turns a hard day around. Elite trail runner Vlad Shatrov adds the coach's perspective across the day, from why easing off in the first hour is the smartest move in a long race to the aid-station habits that keep you moving once it gets dark. And he reflects on his own 50km win from the same day. Whether you're chasing your first ultra, trying to climb out of a rut, or just wondering whether a big goal is worth the grind, this is a story about how showing up for something hard can quietly change everything else in your life. 📱 Our Channel Partner Need a training plan that fits around real life? RunMotion adjusts as your week changes, so you're not stuck trying to follow a plan that no longer makes sense. RunLab viewers get a free month of premium here: https://bit.ly/RunMotion-RunLab 💧 Our Fuel and Hydration Partner Get 15% off your Precision order, discount automatically applied through this link: https://bit.ly/precision-runlab-discount 📌 Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:33 My Story 01:28 The Change 03:06 The Return to These Trails 05:10 Trust Your Training 07:29 Project Positivity 09:41 Vlad's 50K 11:21 Simple Fuelling Strategy 14:32 Give Your Legs a Hand 15:28 The Finish Line 17:33 What's Next 📊 Strava Activities Chris's SUM100 100km https://www.strava.com/activities/19458918067 Vlad's SUM 50km Win https://www.strava.com/activities/19452739408 🎒 Gear we use _Some links below are affiliate links. Buying through them supports the channel at no extra cost to you._ The Lights We Use: https://bit.ly/Fenix-RunLab Use Code RUNLAB20 for 20% off (Australia only) The Sweat Sensor We Use: https://alnk.to/a47u9qq The Ice Bandana We Use: https://bit.ly/ice-bandana Our Favourite Running Singlets: https://bit.ly/blacksheep-RunLab 📺 Related Videos Our Heat Training Guide https://youtu.be/N-eg8gf-9-A Downhill Durability Guide https://youtu.be/5Dr7VpSh4S0 🏃‍♂️ Follow Vlad Strava https://www.strava.com/athletes/12387974 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vlad_protrailrunner/ 🎥 Follow Chris Strava https://www.strava.com/athletes/28291087 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chrisbeavon/ 🎬 Follow RunLab Media Instagram https://www.instagram.com/runlabmedia/ 📩 Business enquiries info@runlab.media